Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the main criticism of the stage-keeper regarding the play?
What is the main criticism of the stage-keeper regarding the play?
What behavior does the bookkeeper warn the audience to avoid in the contract?
What behavior does the bookkeeper warn the audience to avoid in the contract?
Who is unhappy about a proposed marriage and expresses fun-loving intentions?
Who is unhappy about a proposed marriage and expresses fun-loving intentions?
What motivates Quarlous throughout the play?
What motivates Quarlous throughout the play?
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In the end, which character marries Grace?
In the end, which character marries Grace?
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What is Dame Purecraft's character primarily described as?
What is Dame Purecraft's character primarily described as?
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What is Zeal-of-the-Land Busy arrested for?
What is Zeal-of-the-Land Busy arrested for?
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What is Wasp's main flaw that leads to his trouble in town?
What is Wasp's main flaw that leads to his trouble in town?
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What role does Grace Wellborn serve in the play?
What role does Grace Wellborn serve in the play?
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How does Winwife's relationship with Quarlous evolve throughout the play?
How does Winwife's relationship with Quarlous evolve throughout the play?
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Study Notes
Characters in Bartholomew Fair
- Stage-keeper: Criticizes the play before its start, finding it ordinary and poorly written.
- Bookkeeper: Likely meant to represent Ben Jonson himself, reads a contract to the audience, outlining rules of behavior.
- Littlewit: A fun-loving and easily influenced man, married to Win. He is unhappy about his mother-in-law's proposed marriage to Zeal-of-the-Land Busy.
- Quarlous: Friend of Littlewit and a seeker of adventure. He finds love with Grace, then Purecraft, and eventually marries Purecraft. He is known for his good faith and encouraging Overdo to forgive others.
- Winwife: Another friend of Littlewit and a rival of Quarlous, as both pursue the same women. He ends up with Grace, the woman he initially deferred to Purecraft.
- Dame Purecraft: Littlewit's mother-in-law, engaged to Zeal-of-the-Land Busy. She is pursued by many characters and is known for her unpredictable nature and vanity. She ultimately marries Quarlous.
- Zeal-of-the-Land Busy: Engaged to Dame Purecraft but is outwitted by Littlewit and his friends. He is arrested for preaching without a license.
- Wasp: Comes to town to marry Grace. He is from a simpler background and struggles to fit in. His hotheadedness leads to trouble, including accusations and fights. He is arrested for a fight and loses the marriage certificate.
- Grace Wellborn: Daughter of Justice Overdo, engaged to Wasp. She serves as an object of contention for the men, with very little personal development. She ends up marrying Winwife.
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Description
Test your knowledge about the intriguing characters of Ben Jonson's 'Bartholomew Fair'. This quiz covers key traits, relationships, and story arcs of characters like Littlewit, Quarlous, and Dame Purecraft. Dive into the dynamics of this classic play and see how well you know its cast!
